Community rallies for relay

Dressed in yellow and waving flags, one hundred cancer survivors officially kicked off the 7th Annual Stephenville Relay for Life with a special victory lap around Stephenville Middle School's soccer pitch.

The 12-hour event, which took place last week, was a celebration of survival and a tribute to the lives of those touched by cancer.

In addition to the survivor's victory lap, there was a team parade, luminary ceremony, live entertainment, and several games and activities.

"It was phenomenal," said Deb Jones, local relay co-chair. "Our donations are up from last year. We had 25 teams participate and sold 1,431 luminaries, both an increase over last year."

Among those taking part in the event were Doreen Gillam of Robinsons and Rhoda Pumphrey of Highlands. Both ladies wore green outfits, which were in keeping with their Lucky Charms team theme.

"Most of our families have been touched by cancer," said Ms. Gillam. "I myself am a cancer survivor. It's been a good 15 years since I had it."

Ms. Pumphrey noted that she and Ms. Gillam would be making multiple laps around the relay track.

"One lap is not enough to get you going," she said, with a chuckle. "It's just something I do to participate and show my support."

Wanda Griffin, the local relay's other co-chair, said there was a lot of energy at this year's relay.

"Everybody played a part - the steering committee members, volunteers, survivors, and community support from throughout Bay St. George," she said. "It takes a lot of people working really hard - and they all worked well together."

Ms. Jones and Ms. Griffin already have their sights on next year's relay and expect an even larger turnout in 2011.

"Some people have the idea if they're not on a team, they shouldn't be there, but that isn't the case," said Ms. Griffin. "Anybody can come, take a look around, participate, purchase a luminary."

Krista Robertson, community resource co-ordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society, was on hand at the event to thank relay participants. She said funds raised at Relay for Life events throughout the province would help the charity in their mission to eliminate cancer and improve the quality of life for those fighting the disease.

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